© Eva Blue - Tourisme Montréal
June festivals & major events
Join the fun of Montréal’s famed summer festival season this month! Throughout the city, car-free pedestrian streets are the place to be for outdoor festivals, dining (keep your eye out for gourmet food trucks!), shopping and socializing.
Montréal’s off to the races with the annual Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada, from June 16 to 18 at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve racetrack, along Peel Street and Crescent Street downtown, at Gare Windsor with Diplo, and many more F1 events! See some of the world’s – and Montreal’s – top graffiti artists create new murals before our eyes during MURAL Festival, coupled with block parties and live music along Saint-Laurent Blvd. (between Sherbrooke and Mont-Royal Ave.) and in Mile End on de Gaspé, from June 8 to 18.
Expect the unexpected at Festival TransAmériques, presenting innovative world-class theatre, dance and performance art on the city’s main stages and outdoors from May 24 to June 8. At the same time, see even more live performances at the OFFTA festival. Let the St-Ambroise Montréal Fringe Festival surprise you with new theatre, dance, comedy and drag shows at affordable prices – plus a free outdoor stage (at the corner of Saint-Laurent Boulevard and Rachel Street) in the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighbourhood – from May 29 to June 18.
French-language music of every genre is on the program day and night during the 34th Francos de Montréal, in Place des Festivals downtown from June 9 to 17. All of Québec celebrates on June 23 and 24 for La Fête nationale du Québec (also known as Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day), a holiday known for live music concerts in the Quartier des spectacles downtown, neighbourhood BBQs and community gatherings in the sun. Also, the Multicultural & Diversity Project festival at Jardins Gamelin on 24 June from noon to 6pm celebrates diversity, inclusion and multiculturalism in Montréal. There will be artistic and musical performances by various artists, food, family events, henna, face painting and lots of surprises!
The infamous Festival International de Jazz de Montréal features nearly 1,000 concerts this year (it’s 43rd!) by musicians from around the world, on outdoor and indoor stages, with dozens of free events from June 29 to July 8: see Buddy Guy, Herbie Hancock, Diana Krall, Colin Stetson, Orville Peck, and many, many more artists in their element.
Meanwhile, electronic dance music takes over Parc Jean-Drapeau every weekend this summer at Piknik Éléctronique – this month, dance to the beat of Jesse Futureman, 2manydjs, Claude Vonstroke, Miss Monique, The Blaze and many more artists. Scroll down to our music section for all the live music in Montréal in June, including the Montréal Chamber Music Festival.
TOHU is offering three days of festivities that will showcase the skies of Frédéric-Back Park for the whole family. Grain de ciel brings together experienced kite flyers from various regions of Quebec, Canada, the United States and France. What makes this enchanting event unique is its location in the heart of an urban area!
© Laurène Tinel - Tourisme Montréal
Sights & adventures in Old Montreal
Walk the cobblestone streets of Old Montréal to the Saint Lawrence River and visit the peacefully illuminated square outside Notre-Dame Basilica (one of Montréal’s most famous icons) – inside, see gorgeous multimedia show AURA. By nightfall, the projections of Cité Mémoire illuminate history on Old Montréal building facades.
Always a must in Montréal at this time of year, see Cirque du Soleil under the big top in the Old Port of Montréal: Cirque’s new show ECHO, a tale of evolution as seen through the eyes of a female protagonist named Future, makes its world premiere in Montréal and runs throughout spring and summer! For dinner before the show, book a table at these Old Montréal restaurants near the big top.
Also in the Old Port of Montréal, see views of the city and the river from Montréal’s Grand Quay, where you’ll find a cruise ship dock, marine history displays, green spaces and a new attraction: the Port of Montreal Tower. You can even get a glimpse of the view thanks to Skaping, a camera that lets you observe the view from the tower in real time. Nearby, treat yourself to bird’s-eye views on La Grande Roue de Montréal Observation Wheel. Or boost your adrenaline while zipping over the water on the MTL Zipline.
Explore the river on boat tours with Navark, Croisières AML, Bateau-Mouche, and Petit Navire. For the adventurous, ride the river’s waves with Rafting Montréal, take jet-ski tours with Wet Set MTL or try jet boating on the Lachine Rapids!
A must for families, climb high at adventure ropes park Voiles en Voiles, based around two history-inspired sailing ships, find your way through the SOS Labyrinth, and visit the Montréal Science Centre for hands-on exhibition Hockey: Faster Than Ever, with 30 interactive stations made for both hockey fans and science fans – also see incredible Dinosaurs of Antarctica 3D at the IMAX®TELUS Theatre. And for dogs and everyone who loves dogs, WOOPAW FEST Dog Carnival is a must from June 30 to July 2 at Peel Bassin (corner of Peel and Wellington).
© Eva Blue - tourisme Montréal
Downtown sights & sounds
Along with festivals in the Quartier des spectacles, discover a new beat and play a tune on musical art creation Ville Orchestre, installed along the Promenade des Artistes outdoors in Place des Festivals. Play giant games of chess and scrabble on Sainte-Catherine Street. See science-focused animated video projection Matière à réflexion on the immense façade of the President-Kennedy pavilion at UQAM. And on the esplanade of Place des Arts, see Montréal’s cultural institutions in a new light in Insitu, a visual poem projected on the facade of Maison symphonique.
Have a drink on the Esplanade Place Ville Marie, where by night massive art installation The Ring glows above you. Or take a break for live music and theatrical performances (and even a snack and a drink too) at Esplanade Tranquille at the corner of Clark and Sainte-Catherine Street and at Jardins Gamelin near Berri-UQAM metro. Meanwhile, just east on Sainte-Catherine Street in the Village, discover over a hundred local artists in open-air gallery Montréal en arts from June 28 to July 2.
For a quick bite to eat downtown, you’ll find a variety of great food at gourmet food halls, including Time Out Market, Marché Artisans, Le Cathcart Restaurants et Biergarten and Le Central - Manger Montréal. Have a meal on Restaurant Bivouac’s terrace, where you’ll also be treated to a magnificent view of downtown Montréal, or try the new Marie-Louise, a piano-bar-terrace on the roof of the Studio-Cabaret at Espace Saint-Denis with views of the Quartier Latin. Or head to Chinatown for noodles, dumplings and so much more.
© Murale Paix et Justice de Shepard Fairey - photo de Eva Blue - Tourisme Montréal
City tours, pop-up events & sports
Discover the city with expert guides on Montréal tours. Set your own agenda with private walking tours at your own pace. TourBird offers audio content on your mobile phone's browser - no need to download an app, no booking necessary: these guided tours can be easily purchased and taken at any time. Having just launched their self-guided audio walking tour "Explore the Plateau’s Maze of Murals", now is the perfect time to explore the murals at the MURAL Festival. If you prefer a group tour, hear more about the murals and their artists on a street art tour with Spade & Palacio. See the city like a local with MTL Detours. Take a free walking tour of the Quartier des spectacles to explore the heart of downtown.
Montréal is known as a bike-friendly city, with hundreds of kilometres of bike paths. Rent a bike or bring your own to bicycle around the city, take a bike tour, or simply get from A to B on a BIXI shared bike. Go Bike Montréal Festival celebrates all things biking from May 28 to June 4, when cyclists of all ages bike together for the Tour de Nuit, a night tour of the city, and Tour de l'Île, a longer group ride during the day.
June also welcomes the return of summer pop-up spaces, with urban oases like the Old Port’s Marché des Éclusiers restaurant and farmer’s market and major events like First Fridays, a food truck bonanza on June 2 at the Esplanade Financière Sun Life at the Olympic Park, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., this month celebrating Brazilian food and culture. And if you’re looking around Mile End, stop by POP Montréal’s Marché des Possibles at l’Entrepôt77 on the weekend of June 23 for live music, kid-friendly free activities, local food and drink.
It’s also still soccer season, so don’t miss Major League Soccer team CF Montréal on the pitch at Saputo Stadium on June 10 against Minnesota United and on June 21 against Nashville SC. If you can’t be at the games, watch soccer and other summer sports at Montréal’s sports bars. And CFL team Montreal Alouettes kicks off their season on June 10 at Percival-Molson Memorial Stadium.
For skateboarders, the Vans Skatepark on the Olympic Park Esplanade is the place to be – also where you can try rock climbing at Nomad Bloc, and kids can play on the inflatable games of Îlots76. And, not quite a sport but definitely an adrenaline booster, La Ronde amusement park is open for another season of roller-coaster thrills under the sun – it’s also the best place to see the L'International des Feux Loto-Québec fireworks!
© Eva Blue
Nature & relaxation
Among the many free things to do this spring and summer, visit Montréal's parks, green spaces and cultivated gardens to experience an abundance of nature in the city, including spring flowers this month. See incredible city views of the city from Mount Royal Park: take a walk through the park and up the stairs to the lookout or bus or drive up to Beaver Lake or go on a guided discovery walk on the mountain, including a guided therapeutic walk that starts at the Musée des Hospitalières on June 10 and 22.
Another picturesque sight, Parc La Fontaine in the Plateau neighbourhood is perfect for taking a stroll after shopping, a bike ride, or after a great meal on Mont-Royal Avenue, St. Denis Street or Rachel Street. Cross the river to Parc Jean-Drapeau for a riverside walk and a view of Old Montréal – while there visit the Space for Life Biosphère’s environment exhibitions.
At the Space for Life museums: stroll the Montréal Botanical Garden grounds and tropical greenhouse; experience several wild ecosystems at the Biodôme, where you’ll see penguins, otters and more; explore the mysteries of the universe in immersive films and exhibitions at the Planetarium Rio Tinto Alcan (don’t miss the Astrofest activities on June 3!); and learn about butterflies, moths and other insects at the Insectarium. See local wildlife in their natural habitats at the Ecomuseum Zoo. Visit dozens of Montréal attractions, museums and more at a discount with the MTL Passeport MTL!
For ultimate relaxation any time of the day, visit Bota Bota, spa sur l’eau on the Saint-Lawrence River in the Old Port and other world-class spas like Scandinave Spa Vieux-Montréal, Avie Spa & Coiffure, Rainspa and Strøm Nordic Spa. By the end of June, go swimming at the park’s aquatic complex or beach – or cool off at any of Montreal’s pools and beaches. On the other hand, you can always try ice skating indoors at Atrium Le 1000!
© Vincent Ledenec - La Lutinerie
Local food and drink
Montréal’s many food festivals happen throughout the year. YATAI MTL celebrates Japanese culture and street food from June 8 to 11, with an outdoor market, performances, pop-up restaurants and more – pick up a free map for details and discounts. Cho Ðêm MTL brings Vietnamese street food to Peel Basin (corner of Peel & Wellington) from June 15 to 18. Québec culture is on the menu at La Guinguette du Sud-Ouest from June 22 to 25, with music, food and performing arts along the Lachine Canal. Downtown, Peel Street restaurants showcase their menus with tastings, workshops and more during the Destination Peel gourmet festival.
June also means terrasse season! Find out what’s happening on the city’s patios in this refresh on Montréal’s outdoor patios and this peek at Montréal’s most beautiful rooftop patios. Check out Montréal’s newest restaurants and “buvettes” and don’t miss a classic Montréal brunch, whether for Father’s Day weekend or any weekend! Also try some of Montréalers’ favourite lunch restaurants, from Old Montréal and downtown to Villeray or the South-West, and favourite French restaurants.
Get your caffeine fix at Montréal's indie coffee shops – and fresh-baked doughnuts to go with it! Add more sweetness to your life with creations from Montréal's best bakeries and pastry shops, best chocolate shops and candy shops. By night, discover award-winning bars, the city’s 30 top cocktail bars, inventive Montréal microbreweries and late-night eats. Or mix Montréalesque cocktails at home with gin, vodka, rum and more specialty spirits from these Montréal specialty alcohol and spirit makers.
June is also an excellent time to have dinner and see a show at the Casino de Montréal: live music and cabaret shows entertain while incredible seafood and more is on the grill at Le Montréal, there’s a gourmet buffet at Pavillon 67, and quick delicious eats at L’Instant.
Stop by Montréal’s public markets, like the Jean-Talon Market in Little Italy and the Atwater Market in St. Henri, for fresh food, fruit and vegetables, coffee and everything you need for a sunny-day picnic in the park! Explore restaurants and cafés along Beaubien Street in the Rosemont-La-Petit-Patrie neighbourhood (also where you’ll find Little Italy and some of Montréal’s best Italian restaurants). And downtown, enjoy dinner and a show at restaurant-cabaret Le Balcon.
Dig into Quebec classics like smoked meat, poutine and Montréal bagels – and discover more classics with these retro places to stay, eat and drink. And check all the boxes on your “must-eat list” with these musts for foodies in Montréal. Go for Japanese ramen and Vietnamese pho. Eat plant-based with our ultimate guide to vegan eating in Montréal or join the debate over who makes the best pizza in Montréal or the best tacos.
© Eva Blue
Shopping in Montréal
Go shopping for wardrobe staples and dinner-party glam in Old Montréal’s boutiques, downtown along Sainte-Catherine Street and in the underground city malls, or head to the Plateau and Mile End for unique finds. Keep your eye out for items made by Montréal designers, relaxing self-care staples and plenty of home decor.
Add sparkle to your life at the coolest Montréal jewelry stores. Shop local and eco-friendly at the most fabulous vintage boutiques in the city. Pick out the perfect new books for friends and family from Montréal’s bookstores. And dive into a wide world of music at Montréal's excellent vinyl stores.
© Ranabir Das
June art exhibitions
Montréal’s cultural calendar is as packed as ever this month, and museums and art galleries are no exception. At the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts, see works by Indian artist Nalini Malani in Crossing Boundaries, award-winning master carver creations in Wolves: The Art of Dempsey Bob, and opening June 3, blockbuster exhibition Portable Universe: Thought and Splendour of Indigenous Colombia, featuring 400 works of Colombian art dating from about 1500 BCE to the present day, including intricately cast gold pendants and hammered gold masks.
The Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal presents Lili Reynaud-Dewar exhibition I Want All of the Above to Be the Sun at the intersection of sculpture, performance and video. Also see a new mural on the museum’s wall at Place Ville Marie: Walter Scott: Open Ended / Painted Shut. At home, explore immersive online exhibition Leonard Cohen: A Crack in Everything, a recreation of the MAC’s monumental show.
At the Phi Foundation, don’t miss group exhibition Terms of Use, new works exploring the impact of technologies on the definition, construction, and (re)framing of individual and collective selves online and AFK, until July 9. Or take a deep dive into sleep at the InSomnolence exhibition at Agora Hydro-Quebec at UQAM. At MAI, see Phosphos, an immersive, in-motion mesmerizing tapestry of light by Paul Chambers, featuring musical performances on June 1 and 6. And Pride Montréal co-presents The Aesthetic Activism of ACT UP Montréal, a history in photos and posters, running all summer at Archives Gaies du Québec. And at Arsenal Contemporary Art, don’t miss Sabrina Ratté’s solo exhibition Futurs Spéculaires, questioning the relationship between technology and the environment, using photogrammetry, video, 3D animation and VR.
Also see new exhibitions at Bradley Ertaskiran in the neighbourhood of St. Henri (featuring Rick Leong’s Long Time No See and Alexa Hawksworth’s Stall to July 17), Darling Foundry in Old Montréal, Hugues Charbonneau, Galerie B-312, SBC Gallery, McBride Contemporain and Ellephant downtown, as well as Pierre-François Ouellette art contemporain, Oboro, MAI in the Plateau, Centre Clark and Dazibao in Mile End, Art Mûr in La Petite-Patrie, and many, many other amazing art galleries in every neighbourhood. Find out more in our Montréal guide to gallery hopping and these affordable places to buy contemporary art. And hunt for public art everywhere in the city!
At St. James United Church, immerse yourself in the Camino de Compostela with Path of Miracles: The Immersive Experience. This multisensory show invites the public to get a sense of Joby Talbot’s choral masterpiece, Path of Miracles, from 20 to 24 June. This multi-sensory journey - a mix of walking, listening and contemplation - invites you to introspect and discover what the work is about, the context of the pilgrimage and the legend of Saint James.
© PHI
Digital & VR immersive experiences
Experience what it’s like to be on board the international space station in VR in Space Explorers: THE INFINITE, created by Montréal company Felix & Paul, until June 4. For more award-winning digital art and VR go to the PHI Centre for new immersive and virtual reality exhibition Chaos & Memories, featuring works from Taiwan presented at the Venice Biennale (until June 11), as well as listening room Habitat Sonore, free collections exhibition Figure–Ground and, opening June 28, new exhibition The Fury, created by Shirin Neshat,a gripping narrative of an Iranian political prisoner that addresses the female body as an object of desire and violence.
An immersive art experience created by Moment Factory, Miroir Miroir activates the imagination with interactive activities for all-ages, at Place Bonaventure until June 18. The acclaimed Holographic 3D immersive experience Lasting Impressions at Le Studio-Cabaret in Espace St-Denis returns from June 1 to 18 – see over 100 paintings by such Impressionist masters brought to life on a giant ultra-high-definition screen.
A massive immersive art experience in surround sound and laser light, Oasis Immersion takes over the ground floor of Palais des congrès, with transformé and the return of immersive experience VAN GOGH - Distorsion. And the newest addition that must be experienced to be believed, the Museum of Illusions Montréal has us questioning our perceptions once it opens in mid-June at 54 Rue Saint-Antoine O. in Old Montréal.
Jump aboard a flight simulator with AviaSim! This experience replicates the flight deck and cockpit of an Airbus a320. It offers several packages that allows you to discover the art of flying, share an experience with someone else and even fight your fear of flying. It’s available at the Delta hotel in downtown Montréal from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 7 PM.
© Caroline Thibault -Pointe-à-Callière
June at the museum
Among the Montréal museum exhibitions this season, go to Pointe-à-Callière, Montréal Archaeology and History Complex in Old Montréal to learn about not only the city’s history but cultures from around the world: explore 3000 years of history in major museum exhibition Egypt. Three Millennia on the Nile; follow the story of Montréal through historic objects in Favourites! Our Collections on Display; see environmentally themed exhibition Frédéric Back: A Passion for the Planet; and kids of all ages can step into history in interactive display Come Aboard! Pirates or Privateers?
Outside, see Building Montreal, historic photographs on McGill College starting June 16, plus Musical Wednesdays and other activities in the Urban Forest. Inside, see: Becoming Montreal: The 1800s Painted by Duncan, artist James Duncan’s documentation of the city’s development from 1830 to 1880 alongside artist Iregular’s AI-powered digital reinterpretation of the paintings, as well as Indigenous Voices of Today: Knowledge, Trauma, Resilience; Artist-in-Residence Karen Tam’s Swallowing Mountains, a tribute to the women of Montreal’s Chinatown; and photographer and film director Joannie Lafrenière’s Hochelaga-Maisonneuve – Evolving Montréal.
At the Canadian Centre for Architecture, see Visibly Iroquoian, an installation by interdisciplinary performing artist Ange Loft, Out of the Box: Amancio Williams, dedicated to one of the key figures of modern architecture in Latin America, and archives exhibition File Under: Law and Policy.
Travel back in time as you tour the rooms of Château Ramezay and historical site Chateau Dufresne near the Olympic Stadium. The Musée des Hospitalières de l’Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal marks the bicentennial of Mount Royal Park’s creator, architect Frederick Law Olmsted with exhibition Our Mountain: Memories of Mount Royal.
Not far from the city, climb aboard railway cars, learn about the history of the railroad and explore miniature railways at the Exporail the Canadian Railway Museum. Take a historic walking tour of Jewish Montréal, with the Museum of Jewish Montréal, and learn more about Montréal’s Jewish culture, food and more. Explore the Afromuseum, representing the contributions of Afro-Canadians to the cultural landscape of Canada. Discover the vivid history and present of Québec ceramics at the Musée des métiers d'arts du Québec. And for another slice of Québec history, visit Montréal’s stunning churches and sacred sites.
Make the most of your visit and save big on museums and other attractions with the Passeport MTL: discover five Montréal attractions for one low price, and get discounts at many more! And don’t miss these top 10 attractions to see with the Passport MTL.
© La Chambre des enfants, Anne-Marie Ouellet - Jonathan Lorange
On stage in June
Montréal’s cultural calendar is packed this season, with entertainment for everyone on the city’s many stages, at Festival TransAmériques and elsewhere. Cirque du Soleil is always an incredible experience: Cirque’s brand new show ECHO thrills under the big top in the Old Port of Montréal throughout the summer. And for younger kids, make their day with Paw Patrol Live!, from June 22 to 25 at Place Bell (English performances on June 23 and 25.)
In theatre, Centaur Theatre Company and Persephone Productions co-present Annie Baker’s Pulitzer-winning play The Flick at the Centaur from May 31 to June 11. The Segal Centre for the Performing Arts presents multi-award-winning production Josephine, a biographical musical of Josephine Baker, from May 28 to June 18.
In dance, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens presents their fantastical blockbuster production Cinderella from May 31 to June 4, choreographed by Jayne Smeulders. Contemporary dance is on the program at several venues in the city. Discover new contemporary dance and interdisciplinary performances during Festival TransAmériques and at Agora de la danse (see modern mechanical ballet POPMOLLE from June 14 to 16), Tangente, and Danse Cité. And international breaking competition WDSF Breaking for Gold wows at Place des Arts on June 3 and 4.
Can’t-miss drag shows this month include RuPaul’s Drag Race winner and Broadway breakout star Jinkx Monsoon in the Everything at Stake tour at Olympia Theatre on June 26, and catch bilingual drag performances at Dr. Mobilo Aquafest from June 1 to 7, with Tranna Wintour, Barbada and Gabry Elle, Mona De Grenoble and more at the Fairmount Theatre and Le Ritz PDB. See even more amazing Montréal drag shows at Cabaret Mado and Bar Le Cocktail.
© Centre des sciences de Montréal
On screen in June
See the art world in a whole new light thanks to the International Festival of Films on Art year-round ART FILM program. The Korean Film Festival showcases films that explore how art can inspire and drive positive change in the face of challenges, emphasizing the importance of nurturing a sustainable relationship with the environment, from May 26 to June 4. And Cinéma sous les étoiles brings outdoor film screenings to parks for the summer starting June 28 at Laurier Park with Mon pays imaginaire by Chilean filmmaker Patricio Guzmán.
The Montréal Science Centre’s IMAX cinema puts nature on the giant screen in all its glory – this month see incredible Dinosaurs of Antarctica 3D.
See independent features, family films, documentaries and more at Cinéma Moderne. Discover new art house films and more from Montréal indie cinemas' programming at Cinéma du Parc (including late-night cult classics at Parc at Midnight screenings), Cinéma du Musée at the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts, and Cinémathèque québécoise in the Quartier des spectacles. And explore the city through cinema in these Hollywood movies made in Montréal.
© Antoine Saito
Classical music
The 28th Montréal Chamber Music Festival opens on June 4 with the Cello on Fire! concert with Stéphane Tétreault and eight other Quebec artists, features free lunchtime concerts, family concerts, intimate performances at Bourgie Hall, an all-star Tribute to Oliver Jones: Jazzman Par Excellence on June 16, and more from June 4 to 18.
The Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM) closes its 89th season with Gustav Mahler’s Third Symphony with OSM conductor Rafael Payare, American mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung, the OSM Chorus and a children’s choir from May 31 to June 3 at Maison symphonique. While the season may be over, Dina Gilbert conducts the OSM in five additional Harmonium symphonique concerts, with guest vocalists Kim Richardson and Luce Dufault from June 8 to 10.
Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts the Orchestre Métropolitain and soprano Angel Blue in Symphonic Explorations on June 11 at Maison symphonique, featuring pieces by Montréal’s Keiko Devaux, African-American composer Florence Price and legendary American composer Samuel Barber. The Orchestre classique de Montréal closes its 83rd season with Ice Storm Symphony by Quebec composer Maxime Goulet and Carl Orff's powerful Carmina Burana at Maison symphonique on June 20.
Relaxed and acoustically refined concert hall at the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts, Bourgie Hall closes its 12th season with concert A Play of Contrasts with Jonathan Cohen and Marc-André Hamelin with Les Violons du Roy on June 2. Step inside the historic Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel at the Marguerite Bourgeoys Historic Site to be treated to concerts this month too as Gateway Music presents youth choirs on the afternoons of June 8, 13 and 21 – the historic site also celebrates its 250th anniversary on June 30.
© Eva Blue
Move live music
Any time of year, there’s plenty of live music in Montréal, whether for festivals like the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal or touring bands playing the city’s many venues. Among the can’t-miss concerts this season, catch Lizzo on June 11, Nickelback on June 14, The Cure on June 16 and Shania Twain on June 18 all at Bell Centre. At Place Bell, ODESZA returns on June 14 and 80s icons Tears for Fears on June 30. American garage punk band Bass Drum Of Death comes to Foufounes Électriques on June 8. Roll Hall of Famer and blues icon Buddy Guy brings his Damn Right Farewell Tour to Place des Arts on June 30.
Music festival Suoni Per Il Popolo celebrates local and international independent music, including experimental and avant garde jazz, rock, folk and classical. This year see more than 50 concerts from June 1 to 23, including including the Sun Ra Arkestra at Sala Rossa on June 18. The inaugural edition of the Blue Mountain Music Festival (June 3) will be held at the outdoor Unity Music Theatre in Oka / Kanehsatake with headliner Blue Rodeo.
Also see local legends Braids on June 2 at the SAT, Palace on June 13 and Yo La Tengo on June 15 at Beanfield Theater, and Tegan and Sarah on June 14 at L’Olympia. Dance all afternoon on weekends at Piknik Éléctronique. See these shows and more co-presented by Greenland, Blue Skies Turn Black, I Love Neon, and other show promoters at venues citywide, including Fairmount Theatre, Beanfield Theatre, Bar Le Ritz PDB, Casa del Popolo and Sala Rossa, L’Escogriffe and elsewhere throughout the month.
Groove to live Motown, soul, disco, jazz, salsa, Cuban music and more at Le Balcon, where you can have dinner with a show, go dancing, and enjoy a gospel brunch on weekends ‒ or have meal and drinks on Le Balcon’s new terrasse right on Sainte-Catherine Street downtown. Hear live jazz nightly at Montréal’s amazing jazz and blues clubs, like Diese Onze and Upstairs Jazz Bar & Grill. And go out dancing late into the night at Montréal's dance clubs.
Robyn Fadden
Robyn Fadden is a Montréal-based writer and editor who searches out city secrets, new bands, life-changing art and things to do with her perpetually active kid. Robyn has covered major events for HOUR, MUTEK, ARTINFO, CKUT 90.3FM and more.